Community leaders ask Open Carry advocates to stay out of the Fifth Ward

Civic leaders suggest that group not reschedule 'event' in neighborhood

By St. John Barned-Smith

Updated 7:53 pm, Saturday, August 16, 2014

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Here's a look at the Texas open carry movement.

With guns in hand, a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, assembled at City Hall before walking through downtown carrying their guns as part of a rally Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open carry of long arms like rifles and shotguns. We want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

Here's a look at the Texas open carry movement.

With guns in hand, a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, assembled at City Hall before walking through downtown ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Jr. Velez, 21, puts his arm around his little brother while walking with his AR-15 rifle down Bagby, as they joined a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, as part of a rally to educate people about local gun laws Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns. We want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

Jr. Velez, 21, puts his arm around his little brother while walking with his AR-15 rifle down Bagby, as they joined a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, as ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Jr. Velez, 21, puts his arm around his little brother while walking with his AR-15 rifle down Bagby, as they joined a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, as part of a rally to educate people about local gun laws Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns. We want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

Jr. Velez, 21, puts his arm around his little brother while walking with his AR-15 rifle down Bagby, as they joined a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, as ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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A man named Houston waits for his bus as a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, walk down Bagby Street during a rally to educate people about local gun laws Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"To be honest with you I personally don't promote gun violence or guns period. If you've got weapons use your hands," Houston said. "Use sticks and stones if you have to . Bullets take too many lives, for no reason."
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns. We want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

A man named Houston waits for his bus as a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, walk down Bagby Street during a rally to educate people about local gun laws ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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A man waits for his bus as a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, walk down Travis Street during a rally to educate people about local gun laws Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns. We want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

A man waits for his bus as a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, walk down Travis Street during a rally to educate people about local gun laws Thursday, July 4, ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Bibin Thomas, 27, of Missouri City holds up his AR-15 rifle as he joined a group of about 25 people with the pro-gun rights organization, Come and Take it Houston, as they assembled at City Hall and walked through downtown carrying their guns as part of a rally Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns and we want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

Bibin Thomas, 27, of Missouri City holds up his AR-15 rifle as he joined a group of about 25 people with the pro-gun rights organization, Come and Take it Houston, as they assembled at City Hall and walked ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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After walking with their guns through downtown as part of a pro-gun rally, the group of about 25 people with the organization, Come and Take it Houston, ate lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they said was a gun-friendly establishment Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-orginizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns and we want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

After walking with their guns through downtown as part of a pro-gun rally, the group of about 25 people with the organization, Come and Take it Houston, ate lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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After walking with their guns through downtown as part of a pro-gun rally, the group of about 25 people with the organization, Come and Take it Houston, ate lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they said was a gun-friendly establishment Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-orginizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns and we want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

After walking with their guns through downtown as part of a pro-gun rally, the group of about 25 people with the organization, Come and Take it Houston, ate lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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After walking with their guns through downtown as part of a pro-gun rally, the group of about 25 people with the organization, Come and Take it Houston, ate lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they said was a gun-friendly establishment Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-orginizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns and we want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

After walking with their guns through downtown as part of a pro-gun rally, the group of about 25 people with the organization, Come and Take it Houston, ate lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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After walking with their guns through downtown as part of a pro-gun rally, the group of about 25 people with the organization, Come and Take it Houston, ate lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they said was a gun-friendly establishment Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-orginizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns and we want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

After walking with their guns through downtown as part of a pro-gun rally, the group of about 25 people with the organization, Come and Take it Houston, ate lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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After walking with their guns through downtown as part of a pro-gun rally, Bibin Thomis, 27, left, of Missouri City and a group of about 25 people with the organization, Come and Take it Houston, ate lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they said was a gun-friendly establishment Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-orginizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns and we want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

After walking with their guns through downtown as part of a pro-gun rally, Bibin Thomis, 27, left, of Missouri City and a group of about 25 people with the organization, Come and Take it Houston, ate lunch at ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Oscar Garza, 29, of Houston waits holding his AR-15 rifle as he joined a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, assembled at City Hall before walking through downtown carrying their guns as part of their rally Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"The idea is to show people their rights and it's a way to educate them," Garza said. "The best gun safety is education.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns. We want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

Oscar Garza, 29, of Houston waits holding his AR-15 rifle as he joined a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, assembled at City Hall before walking through ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Jennifer Kroll, 26, of Houston, wears her 20-gauge shotgun as she joined a group of about 25 people with the pro-gun rights organization, Come and Take it Houston, assembled at City Hall and walked through downtown carrying their guns as part of a rally Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns and we want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

Jennifer Kroll, 26, of Houston, wears her 20-gauge shotgun as she joined a group of about 25 people with the pro-gun rights organization, Come and Take it Houston, assembled at City Hall and walked through ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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A plastic straw is inserted into the chamber of Ed Aldredge's AR-15 rifle to note there are no rounds in the chamber, as he joined a group of about 25 people with the pro-gun rights organization, Come and Take it Houston, assembled at City Hall and walked through downtown carrying their guns as part of a rally Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns and we want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

A plastic straw is inserted into the chamber of Ed Aldredge's AR-15 rifle to note there are no rounds in the chamber, as he joined a group of about 25 people with the pro-gun rights organization, Come and Take ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Neil Darlington from Chester, England watched with his 11-month-old daughter Chrystal, as a group of about 25 people with the organization pro-gun rights organization, Come and Take it Houston, walked through downtown carrying their guns as part of a rally to educate people about gun laws Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
Ã¢ÃÃºTo walk the streets and see people with shotguns and ammo is a bit different,Ã¢ÃÃ¹ Darlington said. Ã¢ÃÃºItÃ¢ÃÃ´s a completely different culture. We are use to seeing police with guns, but not that.Ã¢ÃÃ¹
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns and we want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

Neil Darlington from Chester, England watched with his 11-month-old daughter Chrystal, as a group of about 25 people with the organization pro-gun rights organization, Come and Take it Houston, walked through ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Cyclist watch a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, walk down Bagby Street during a rally to educate people about local gun laws Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns. We want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

Cyclist watch a group of more than 20 people with the pro-gun organization, Come and Take it Houston, walk down Bagby Street during a rally to educate people about local gun laws Thursday, July 4, 2013, in ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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David Wakat, 23, from LaPorte, gets a photograph of the Come and Take it Houston, a pro-gun rights organization, in front of HPD headquarters as they walked down Travis Street during their rally to educate the public about gun laws Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns and we want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

David Wakat, 23, from LaPorte, gets a photograph of the Come and Take it Houston, a pro-gun rights organization, in front of HPD headquarters as they walked down Travis Street during their rally to educate the ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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After walking through downtown as part of a pro-gun rally, Ed Aldredge, and a group of about 25 people with the organization, Come and Take it Houston, ate lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they said was a gun-friendly establishment Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston.
"This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-orginizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open cary of long arms like rifles and shotguns and we want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime."( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

After walking through downtown as part of a pro-gun rally, Ed Aldredge, and a group of about 25 people with the organization, Come and Take it Houston, ate lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they said ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Kory Watkins, coordinator for Open Carry Tarrant County poses for a portrait holding his Romanian AK 47, Thursday, May 29, 2014, in Haltom City, Texas. North Texas gun rights advocates are suing the city of Arlington for amending an ordinance that they claim is discriminatory and infringes upon free speech rights, in the latest sign of growing tensions among gun activists and government forces in Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Kory Watkins, coordinator for Open Carry Tarrant County poses for a portrait holding his Romanian AK 47, Thursday, May 29, 2014, in Haltom City, Texas. North Texas gun rights advocates are suing the city of ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Kory Watkins, coordinator for Open Carry Tarrant County carries his Romanian AK47 over his back as he talks with passerby's at a busy road intersection during a group demonstration, Thursday, May 29, 2014, in Haltom City, Texas. North Texas gun rights advocates are suing the city of Arlington for amending an ordinance that they claim is discriminatory and infringes upon free speech rights, in the latest sign of growing tensions among gun activists and government forces in Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Kory Watkins, coordinator for Open Carry Tarrant County carries his Romanian AK47 over his back as he talks with passerby's at a busy road intersection during a group demonstration, Thursday, May 29, 2014, in ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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John Moltzer, of Robinson, waits for the "Come and Take It" rally to begin at the Alamo on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013.

John Moltzer, of Robinson, waits for the "Come and Take It" rally to begin at the Alamo on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013.

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Members of the pro-gun organization Come and Take it Houston walk down Travis Street armed with their guns as part of a rally to educate people about local gun laws Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston. "This is a Come and Take it Houston walk to help inform citizens about the gun laws here in Texas," co-organizer Kenneth Lindbloom said. "In Texas there are no restrictions on the open carry of long arms like rifles and shotguns. We want people to realize that in the hands of good people, guns are not dangerous and they don't kill people. When good people have guns it serves as a deterrent to stop crime." (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson) less

Members of the pro-gun organization Come and Take it Houston walk down Travis Street armed with their guns as part of a rally to educate people about local gun laws Thursday, July 4, 2013, in Houston. "This is ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Ed Aldredge of Sugar Land, Texas, checks to make sure he doesn't have a round in the chamber of his AR-15 rifle, next to his son, Austin, 11, who was holding his .22 caliber rifle as they join a group of about 25 people with the gun rights organization Come and Take it Houston for a rally at City Hall in Houston Thursday, July 4, 2013(AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson) less

Ed Aldredge of Sugar Land, Texas, checks to make sure he doesn't have a round in the chamber of his AR-15 rifle, next to his son, Austin, 11, who was holding his .22 caliber rifle as they join a group of about ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Members of the gun rights group Come and Take it Houston get lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they say is a gun-friendly establishment, after walking with their guns through downtown Houston as part of a pro-gun rally on Thursday, July 4, 2013. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson) less

Members of the gun rights group Come and Take it Houston get lunch at Tony's BBQ & Steak House, which they say is a gun-friendly establishment, after walking with their guns through downtown Houston as part ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Gun rights advocates meet for an âOpen Carryâ walk, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, in the parking lot of the Academy Sports & Outdoors in Conroe, Texas. The group walked to the North Loop 336 West overpass with âlong gunsâ and a few signs to show support for legalizing open carry of a handgun for law-abiding throughout Texas. (AP Photo/Conroe Courier, Ana Ramirez) less

Gun rights advocates meet for an âOpen Carryâ walk, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, in the parking lot of the Academy Sports & Outdoors in Conroe, Texas. The group walked to the North Loop 336 West ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Flags fly at the Come And Take It San Antonio pro-gun rally on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013. Several hundred pro-gun owners displayed their rifles and long arms at a rally on the grounds of the Alamo. The group later marched to Travis Park where the event concluded. (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News) less

Flags fly at the Come And Take It San Antonio pro-gun rally on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013. Several hundred pro-gun owners displayed their rifles and long arms at a rally on the grounds of the Alamo. The group ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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A gun owner and his wife leave a rally at Travis Park as part of the Come And Take It San Antonio pro-gun rally on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013. Several hundred pro-gun owners displayed their rifles and long arms at a rally on the grounds of the Alamo. The group later marched to Travis Park where the event concluded. (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News) less

A gun owner and his wife leave a rally at Travis Park as part of the Come And Take It San Antonio pro-gun rally on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013. Several hundred pro-gun owners displayed their rifles and long arms at ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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Gun owners march toward Travis Park as part of the Come And Take It San Antonio pro-gun rally on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013. Several hundred pro-gun owners displayed their rifles and long arms at a rally on the grounds of the Alamo. The group later marched to Travis Park where the event concluded. (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News) less

Gun owners march toward Travis Park as part of the Come And Take It San Antonio pro-gun rally on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013. Several hundred pro-gun owners displayed their rifles and long arms at a rally on the ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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Community leaders ask Open Carry advocates to stay out of the Fifth Ward

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The day Open Carry Texas had been scheduled to march through the Fifth Ward, several community leaders gathered send them a message: Thanks for postponing, don't bother rescheduling.

"We come in peace," said U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, speaking at an press conference in Finnegan Park. "On behalf of many thousands who live in this community that are minding their daily business, Open Carry's efforts need to stop, need to be canceled, they need to end."

The gun-rights advocacy group, which has ruffled feathers at demonstrations by openly carrying loaded firearms, had planned a rally Saturday in the Fifth Ward, a historically black neighborhood.

"There was a false criticism that we only went to rich white neighborhoods, so we planned a Fifth Ward event," Open Carry Texas leader C.J. Grisham said last week.

"We also want to work with the minority community to get them more involved in their right to legally bear arms."

Nevertheless, word of the planned protest drew an outcry from local residents and some community leaders. Quanell X said last that if the group showed up bearing arms, community residents would show up with theirs.

"Coming like this is totally unacceptable. So if you do come, I guarantee you we will not bring a butter knife to a gun fight," Quanell X told KPRC-TV.

Jackson Lee questioned Open Carry's motives, arguing the group was using the Fifth Ward as a pawn in its "selfish agenda."

"We are certainly not a community ... that is looking for the ability to carry an AR-15. There is an epidemic plaguing black men in this country. AR-15's, carrying them is not in any way a positive for the children that are in this community," she said.

A spokesman for Open Carry did not respond to a request for comment Saturday.

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